House bill requiring cyber audits by NIST could overhaul agency’s role

March 2, 2017

Having the National Institute of Standards and Technology audit other federal agencies’ cybersecurity practices is not a matter of NIST “stepping up” its game, as House Science Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) said this week – rather it would be a matter of dramatically redefining NIST’s role and relationship with other federal entities.

The Science panel’s bill – which Smith insisted is within the committee’s jurisdiction – would require an audit of federal agencies’ cybersecurity practices by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The Science Committee regularly hears from top NIST officials on cyber and other issues and has examined specific matters such as federal security in light of the Office of Personnel Management breach, consumer data security, and vulnerabilities in the energy sector….SOURCE